The Ministry of Education and Microsoft Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Presidential Secretariat, initiating a pilot project aimed at integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the school curriculum. According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), this initiative will provide students above Grade 8 with the chance to explore AI within the field of Information Technology.
The pilot project is scheduled to be implemented in 20 chosen schools spanning across 20 districts, with an assurance to furnish suitable classrooms and essential technical resources. As per the PMD, a specialized team from Microsoft will offer assistance to facilitate online educational endeavors.
Prior to the signing of the MoU, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions with Microsoft representatives at the President’s Office. The representatives assured the Sri Lankan leader of their unwavering support towards incorporating AI into the educational framework. Speaking to the audience, Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft's India and South Asia division, conveyed appreciation for Wickremesinghe's leadership in driving Sri Lanka's progress by embracing cutting-edge technologies, especially artificial intelligence.
Education Minister Susil Premjayanth revealed that the program is set to be fully implemented by 2025. Present at the event was Julie Chung, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, who emphasized the substantial opportunity this initiative offers for the people of Sri Lanka, encouraging everyone to fully embrace it. The US diplomat also mentioned the upcoming assistance from volunteer organizations aimed at improving the English language proficiency of Sri Lankan citizens and students.
Among the distinguished guests who attended the event were Technology State Minister Kanaka Herath, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the Education Ministry Wasantha Perera, Secretary to Technology Ministry Dharmasiri Kumaratunga, as well as senior officials from Microsoft. Representatives from various educational institutions including D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, and students, teachers, and principals from Muslim Ladies College, Pussellawa Hindu National School, and Tangalle Girls’ College were also present at the event.
